Cheryl Brownlee
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I want to recognise three outstanding East Antrim candidates for this year's BBC 'Make a Difference' awards. Their passion, dedication and commitment has made a lasting impact on East Antrim.”
“Individuals such as Iris often work quietly behind the scenes and give their time and energy without seeking any recognition. Iris has become the backbone of community life. Her nomination reflects the esteem in which she is held in Islandmagee, where everybody loves her.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. We have over 17,000 children and over 4,000 adults on the waiting list. They are waiting for up to six years for an assessment. <BR /> <BR />Minister, in the delivery plan, there are no measurable targets to reduce those waiting times.”
“It showcases everything that is best about Carrickfergus and beyond, from the magnificent historical re-enactment to the participation of over 40 marching bands, Orange lodges, children's entertainers, pipers, Highland dancers, Lambeg drummers, community groups, living history performers, volunteers and many more.”
“I recognise the outstanding success of the Royal Landing celebrations held in Carrickfergus on Saturday. Once again, thousands of people lined the streets of our historic town to witness what can only be described as a spectacular re-enactment of one of the most important moments in Ulster's history: the landing of King William III at Car…”
“They overlook the volunteer time, the hours that are taken to preserve our history, the young people who spend their evenings participating in bands and cultural organisations and the thousands who attend with pride and enthusiasm.”
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“We often speak about families reaching breaking point, but the truth is that they are already there. They simply keep going because they have no choice. No one is coming to rescue them. Criticising the EA or the health service will not improve the lives of those children or of the families who are here today. <BR /> <BR />We must recognise the complexity of the situation. No one wants summer scheme provision to be unsafe. No principal, teacher or classroom assistant should be expected to take on responsibilities for which they are not supported or trained. Concerns raised by staff must be listened to. The reality is that specialist nursing provision has been reduced. Schools have been calling for this for some time.”
“When routines are disrupted, those challenges intensify, leaving parents completely exhausted and often at breaking point, physically and mentally. <BR /> <BR />Every Saturday, I sit with parents at a small group in Monkstown called Monkstown Special Stars. It was my lifeline and still is. I listen to families who face challenges that are far more complex than mine, and I see the quiet resilience that they show every day. Many are so desperate for support that they seek assessments from social workers, only to be turned away because of the pressure on the system or budget constraints. Direct payments are a distant dream, and respite care is out of reach. In that context, summer schemes are not a luxury; they are a lifeline. Even one or two weeks can make the difference between coping and complete burnout.”
“For some families, there is nothing left but the support provided by the education system just to get through the day, and, when summer arrives, those eight weeks can feel impossibly long. Summer holidays, which should be a time of joy, are not the same for our children. A simple trip to the park or the zoo can become overwhelming and unmanageable. Many families find themselves confined to their home or to their child's one safe space, thereby becoming further isolated and struggling even more. We must be honest about the harsh reality of life for some of our SEN children who have significant physical and behavioural challenges. That means biting, hitting and self-harming behaviour such as head-banging.”
“Simple tasks that many people take for granted, such as a trip to the shop, can feel impossible. Families become isolated as friends move on with their own children, and they are left behind. The village that we often speak of — the support network that it takes to raise a child — becomes smaller and smaller, as many feel unable to cope with the challenges involved.”
“I was as devastated as anyone here to see the EA's social media post last week that announced the cancellation of the summer schemes, but I do not want anyone to think that the debate is simply about one week of a summer programme. It is just the tip of the iceberg. It is another devastating blow to children with special educational needs and their families. <BR /> <BR />It is so hard to express what life is really like as a parent of a child with SEN and the weight that it places on every aspect of your life. Those parents are not just struggling; they are just about surviving. It is a struggle every single day to get through to the next one. It is intense and relentless, and you are often in a constant state of fight or flight.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. It is a very small but important point: many young girls with complex needs require nappies, which are issued by our health service, but periods are not taken into account. Young girls receive the same capped allocation of four nappies as boys. Does the Member agree that that is a serious dignity-in-care issue and that periods should be taken into account?”
“I thank the Member for his update. He may not be able to give me an update on one my main concerns today, but, hopefully, we can receive some kind of update regarding disabled access on the first floor opposite the Members' Bar. I met a lovely lady who was in a wheelchair and could not get past the three very heavy wooden doors to get into the bathroom. I have asked about that before, and I really want to ensure that the Commission is looking at that access point to ensure that anybody who gets into the Building can get very basic access.”
“Thank you, Minister. Does the Minister agree that the First Minister was wrong to suggest that the armed forces are simply a matter for the British Government? Our armed forces community is recognised in legislation, and it is a duty on all of us to support them.”
“— what we have always done, we will continue to get what we have always got, and, sadly, that is not good enough. I want what every Member here wants: the best possible outcomes for SEN.”
“<BR /> <BR />I must close, because I do not have enough time, which is very disappointing. If we continue to do —”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important that any reform improves outcomes for children and young people, strengthens terms and conditions, properly values classroom assistants and the workforce and, of course, ensures that they are fully resourced and that changes are communicated. Of course, the consultation is key. I call on everybody and anybody to get involved in that and put across their views. <BR /> <BR />A number of schools have already trialled more flexible, team-based support models, and those are showing very positive results. A proposed SEN budget for schools will give them the autonomy to develop the approaches that meet the needs of their pupils, and it replaces that really rigid one-to-one structure with a coordinated support system that can adapt as children's needs develop. That is crucial because, of course, they will develop.”
“That model works and gives children an incredible learning experience, so why should more children not benefit from that kind of tailored support? For some children, one-to-one assistance remains the right intervention, and that is absolutely key. This is the whole point: any child who needs one-to-one assistance will continue to have it. That is critical. It is also right to acknowledge, however, the large body of evidence that indicates that one-to-one provision is not always beneficial and, in some cases, can hinder. It can hinder independence, reduce interaction, and lead to issues with social skills.”
“That reality does not take away from the incredible work that is carried out by classroom assistants, but it does highlight the need for a system that is better for children, better for families and better for the workforce. With more than 12,500 classroom assistants already employed, it is becoming increasingly difficult to retain and recruit qualified staff. School principals have repeatedly told us that they are unable to recruit one-to-ones, leaving them no option but to rely on alternative models. <BR /> <BR />The EA and the Department have outlined, as part of wider SEN reform, a move away from models based predominantly on one-to-one provision towards a smaller group setting, specialist therapeutic input and a more flexible SEN budget. In special schools, many children already learn in small group settings, often on a 2:1 ratio.”
“I welcome the conversations on SEN and classroom assistants, but it is really disappointing that I have three minutes to discuss such an important topic when we will spend the rest of Opposition day discussing titles. <BR /> <BR />I have supported, and absolutely will continue to support, classroom assistants. They play a vital role in supporting children's learning, their inclusion and, of course, their well-being. They are truly unbelievable in what they do. We can agree across all political parties that classroom assistants work long, demanding hours and are dedicated to every single one of their pupils. Time and again, however, we continue to refer in the Chamber to data, outcomes and baseline figures. The data continues to show that children with SEN experience poor outcomes.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I apologise for not being in my seat yesterday at Question Time.”
“Integrity in public life matters, as does confidence in our institutions, and all of that depends on accountability. Even locally, we have seen the fallout of the scandal, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council unanimously voting to change the name of Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus and rightly so. <BR /> <BR />Above all, we must remember the victims. Their stories and their suffering must never be repeated or forgotten. Here, we all know that public trust is hard won and easily lost. It is restored only through openness, responsibility and a clear commitment to justice. That must be the standard for everybody.”
“Those matters have been deeply disturbing; they have damaged public confidence and are particularly disturbing to victims of abuse, who deserve justice, dignity and our support. Regardless of the conclusion of the legal process, we must never lose sight of those who have suffered exploitation and harm. <BR /> <BR />Recent developments include questions about public role, status and even a name change. Today, the debate about the release of documents relating to the appointment of the former prince as a UK trade envoy has reignited the debate in Westminster and beyond. There are legitimate concerns about associations with powerful figures such as Lord Mandelson and about the wider culture of influence and access amongst elites. <BR /> <BR />The public are entitled to transparency and to know that no individual is above the law.”
“I rise to address a matter that continues to cast a shadow over public life: the ongoing controversy surrounding the former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Let me be clear from the outset that the Democratic Unionist Party is steadfast in its support for the Union and the constitutional role of the Crown. However, with privilege comes responsibility, and with public position comes accountability. No one, regardless of their status in public life, should be above the law: everyone should be subject to its full rigour. <BR /> <BR />There have been serious and troubling allegations about Prince Andrew and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.”
“The Your School Your Club programme has been a game changer, for not only East Antrim but right across Northern Ireland. Does the Minister agree that the programme should continue to be funded? Can he commit to further funding for it next year?”
“The advertisement of those groups on national radio causes enormous hurt and retraumatises the victims of terrorism. Today, we call on media outlets and venues such as the SSE to have consideration for victims and survivors. Advertising campaigns that promote ticket sales and events designed to romanticise the actions of the IRA are an affront to all those who have suffered at the hands of terrorism. <BR /> <BR />Today, we also remember the innocent victims of the bombing at La Mon, 48 years ago. We must never forget the suffering that the IRA has inflicted on Northern Ireland. My party will always stand with the innocent victims and survivors of terrorism.”
“Songs such as 'Celtic Symphony', 'Come Out Ye Black & Tans' and 'Rifles of the I.R.A' and chants of "Ooh ahh, up the 'RA" should not be the norm in any modern-day society. <BR /> <BR />Sammy Heenan, a well-respected victims' campaigner, has rightly condemned the advertising of the upcoming Wolfe Tones concert at the SSE Arena on radio stations across Northern Ireland this week. Recalling the harrowing events of May 1985, when his father, William, was shot dead by the Provisional IRA outside his home in County Down, Sammy said:”
“Across Northern Ireland, countless families still carry the scars of violence. Whether physical or emotional, the scars are permanent, and families' lives have been changed forever by acts of evil that no community should ever have to endure. Too often, their suffering has been overlooked, ignored or spoken about as if it were some distant memory, but, for victims and survivors, it is very much real, lived experience. Today, we see so many attempts to airbrush history: brazen attempts to rewrite the horrors of the past and glorify the actions of the IRA. My party has always been resolute in saying that there was always an alternative and that all violence is wrong. <BR /> <BR />Groups such as the Wolfe Tones are conditioning our young people to see terrorism as normal.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the same time, screen time has real benefits supporting education interaction and access to support but only if it is balanced with good sleep, exercise and offline play. Early intervention programmes and guidance on healthy digital use are core critical components in any restriction. Of course, I welcome the Education Minister, with his parent packs and pouches but the importance of physical education as well. The evidence is clear that social media is linked to anxiety, depression and poor sleep. There are also many other difficult aspects to it. <BR /> <BR />Three minutes are definitely not enough time to talk about such an important subject. We support the motion, and we will hopefully do anything we can to address social media usage among young people.”
“It can have significant and serious impacts on our mental health, leaving us feeling never fully content. <BR /> <BR />We have discussed many times in the Chamber the horrific abuse received online, often from faceless trolls, with little if any recourse and no consideration of mental well-being. It is addictive, persuasive and difficult to manage. The big tech companies really need to have accountability and responsibility for the damage that they cause. As a member of the Policing Board, I know that we have often talked about the lack of collaboration between those big companies and PSNI investigations and the struggles that the police have in trying to get the evidence required to get cases over the line. That definitely needs consideration.”
“As parents, we monitor as much as possible. We have conversations and warn of the dangers, but the reality is that it is a dark and wild space that would be almost impossible to tame never mind control. When you add exposure to harmful content, addictive design features and online abuse, it becomes clear that we cannot ignore the risk of those platforms. <BR /> <BR />Research shows that young adults regret the time that they spend on their phones, describing it as "brain rot" or "doomscrolling". Robbie was right: if we are all honest, we do that ourselves. A 10-minute scroll can often turn into two hours, resulting in time lost and nothing gained and endless hours online comparing ourselves with others — our bodies, our clothes, our homes, our family life.”
“Last night, in preparation for the debate, I tried to do a wee bit of market research with my teenage daughter. I asked her if she had ever witnessed bullying or seen dangerous or harmful content or anything that made her feel concerned or sad. Her answer was no. That was for two reasons. One was probably because she knew that it would be raised in the Assembly at some point, and, two, I was her parent and she might not have felt comfortable sharing that information with me. I have no doubt, however, that she has seen dangerous things online. She might not fully realise it yet, but what she sees online has a huge effect on her life from her inspiration for her clothes, the influence on make-up to the constant rap music that she listens to. Social media has so much control over her world, as it does over many other children.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I asked the question because I have been contacted by parents who are extremely concerned about the relocation of a sex offender close to a child's play park. It is extremely concerning. What safeguards are in place to ensure that convicted sex offenders are not placed close to play parks or vulnerable residents, and what can the Minister of Justice do to commit to those and to putting public safety first?”
“It is an extremely important one for us to work on collectively in the Chamber. I hope that there will be some positive moves forward for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
“I do not want to go too far into the education space in the debate, but those waiting lists create a lack of clinical information that cannot then be added to any type of statement or evidence base to enable the Education Authority to provide the tailored support that children, in particular, need. CAMHS was mentioned. Whilst children are going into CAMHS, when they get there, the service that they get is not really tailored to their challenges, and then they just leave the service and have no further support. The Minister of Health has provided more training for individuals. Three hundred and sixty-five neurodiversity awareness training programmes have been completed. Of course, that is to be welcomed, but it needs to be throughout the system. <BR /> <BR />I welcome any progress on the issue.”
“Issues that we have all discussed are becoming more and more common, and we are seeing more and more cases in which medication has transformed people's lives, but access to that is now being denied. <BR /> <BR />Waiting lists for young people can be as long as eight years. Children are often not even looked at until they hit the age of six. That is creating a whole childhood without the support that is desperately needed.”
“I had a case recently of a lady who previously lived in Comber. She and her daughter were diagnosed privately and received that shared care, but she recently moved to Carrick, and now that care cannot be provided any more. The fact that that has been refused has left her and her daughter in complete despair. She could get that care up the road in Greenisland, but she is not within the catchment area. There are so many different things in relation to ADHD services that are becoming so frustrating and so challenging, and people are getting really annoyed that there does not seem to be any movement whatsoever. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the Minister's report. Hopefully, we will see it very soon: it was due in early 2026. Hopefully, we will have a positive outcome at the end of the debate.”
“Then come greater complications, because the private diagnosis might not even be accepted and it comes at a significant cost. As Alan Robinson said, there was one case in which people had paid for a private diagnosis only for the private clinic to shut down and the person running to leave the country. The families who had paid £1,000 to get a diagnosis were left without any support whatsoever. It is horrific that that is happening here in Northern Ireland. I have also been contacted by constituents who are being diagnosed over Teams and Zoom meetings and are not even having that in-depth, face-to-face contact with the provider. <BR /> <BR />We know that ADHD medication is an amber drug that may be prescribed and has its own risks. GPs are put in a very difficult and pressured situation when it comes to whether to provide that shared care.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have spoken quite frankly about a postcode lottery, and we are seeing significant waiting times, including different waiting times across trust areas. We have seen that through a number of different services. It is a stark example of how where you live affects your health outcome. In such a small place as Northern Ireland, it is becoming bizarre that a service can be provided on one side of the street but not on the other. We know that those significant waiting times are pushing more and more people into private diagnosis, and that comes with its own challenges. Nuala alluded to the fact that it is not regulated, but it also creates another health inequality for those who cannot afford to pay for a diagnosis.”
“Whilst I am not a member of the Health Committee, when I saw this motion on the agenda, I jumped at the chance to talk about it. It is such an important topic, and I do not think that a day goes by when I am not contacted in some shape or form about it by a constituent, so I welcome the motion and the amendment. <BR /> <BR />As I said, I am constantly contacted. I think that we have all realised today, although some of us already knew this, that the process and the services are not meeting the needs of our people. Hopefully, at the end, we will have some answers for the people of Northern Ireland so that they know that we are taking this seriously and ensuring that provision will be in place for ADHD services that can support individuals and their families and make sure that they get the right support and medication.”
“Sexual violence can happen to anyone. We will continue with our commitment to strengthen our legal and support systems so that victims are heard, believed and supported, every step of the way.”
“Máiría's determination to speak publicly, despite the intense personal and public backlash that she faced, sparked a wider discussion in our society. Her voice has helped to spur on scrutiny of how sexual violence cases are managed, including how prosecutors communicate with victims, handle delays and provide support to complainants to feel safe when participating in the justice system. Her story is not just about one individual. It has become a catalyst for change and for pushing for continual improvements in how the PPS engages with survivors, how we educate people on consent and respect and how we build a system that does not re-traumatise those who report abuse. <BR /> <BR />We will continue to respect Máiría's courage and that of the many other survivors who share their experiences at significant personal cost.”
“<BR /> <BR />What the case laid bare and what Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week compels us to confront is that survivors of sexual violence must feel supported, not abandoned, by every layer of the institutions. A failure at any stage, whether through policing, prosecution or community support, risks silencing victims and denying them justice.”
“<BR /> <BR />When Máiría eventually took the courageous step of reporting the abuse to the statutory authorities, what followed was a series of legal proceedings that collapsed, not because her claims were unfounded but because the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) failed to handle the cases in a way that gave her confidence to pursue them through the justice system. A subsequent independent review found multiple failings by the PPS in how her case and two others linked to it were managed. They included delays, poor communication and a lack of focus on the experience of the complainant. The review concluded that the victims were let down by the service. That conclusion was a stark rebuke of how a young woman's trust in the justice system was eroded, and it forced the PPS to reckon with the system and its obligations to victims.”
“During Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, we reflect not only on the scale of harm caused by sexual violence but on how our system responds or, too often, fails to respond to those brave enough to come forward. One of the most powerful and stark reminders of why the awareness week matters is the story of Máiría Cahill, a woman who spoke out about sexual abuse that she experienced as a teenager at the hands of an IRA member. Máiría was just 16 years old when the abuse began, and, instead of receiving support and protection, she was subjected to a secretive internal investigation by the IRA and forced into confrontations with her alleged attacker.”
“The Minister will be aware of the plight of Carrickfergus Academy, which has been operating on a split site for over 10 years. Can the Minister provide an update on that much sought-after project?”
“The fundamental issue is that nobody from the Committee is aware of any update on the matter. That is the question, really. Why did that not happen? If you said that you did, what was the date on which it happened? Why did we need a question for urgent oral answer to get the finer details?”
“On 25 June 2025, when you were asked in the Infrastructure Committee for an update on graduated driver licensing, Hansard reported you as saying:”
“I have submitted a number of questions on the issue. Today's response is positive. We should be doing everything that we can to save lives.”
“They have done nothing wrong, and they deserve action, not words. We stand with them. <BR /> <BR />For all those reasons, I support the motion and urge the Assembly to send out the clear message today that the abuse of anyone through AI-generated deepfakes will not be tolerated and that victims will not be left to fight this alone.”
“It was not acceptable before the introduction of AI, and it is not acceptable now. Whether you create the content or share it, you are wrong. <BR /> <BR />Such treatment is not new; it has simply evolved. Many Members in the Chamber and many people listening online will have experienced abuse. That is why it is so important that we call it out for what it is: abuse. We must empower victims to speak out and ensure that they are protected when they do so. We must make it clear that people who engage in such acts, who often hide behind faceless accounts, will be held accountable. We have some of the data in front of us, but we must remember the quieter voices. There are those who suffer in silence and, through fear, shame or lack of support, do not feel that they can come out and be part of the statistics.”
“They must provide access to the information, cooperate with investigations and stop washing their hands of responsibility while the harm continues on their platforms. No matter where the abuse takes place — X, WhatsApp, TikTok or anywhere — it is never acceptable.”
“<BR /> <BR />We live in an age when predators are online and anonymous and too many platforms continue to turn a blind eye to the abuse taking place in their services. We know that online crimes are complex and not easy to solve — we recognise that — but urgent action is, of course, required. The teams must be properly staffed, funded, equipped and trained to meet the growing demand in the complex world that we now live in. I know that the Minister is working with urgency to progress the Chief Constable's business case to increase the workforce and address the critical gaps. <BR /> <BR />It is also vital that all social media companies are held to account. The PSNI has been clear: the biggest platforms must do more.”
“Data from Ofcom reports that 43% of people aged 16 and over said that they have seen deepfakes online in the past six months. For our young people, the fear of being targeted or, in some cases, the reality of being targeted can be life-altering. The motion rightly calls for a commitment from the UK Government to criminalise deepfake activity, and victims in Northern Ireland should not be left behind. We know, again, that legislation is not enough. As a member of the Policing Board, I have serious concerns about the PSNI's capacity to deal with the issue. A recent report entitled 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland: An inspection of police effectiveness and efficiency' was deeply worrying and revealed significant gaps in the PSNI's child protection team.”
“We know that the images and videos are used to harass, humiliate and silence individuals and that it can often lead to devastating consequences. Behind all the statistics that we have spoken about today, there are real people, and the overwhelming majority of them are women. They end up experiencing anxiety, trauma and stress. They worry about their job, their family and their relationships. In some cases, they can have suicidal thoughts and, of course, even worse. At the heart of it are real people, and they are potentially changed for life. <BR /> <BR />The House must be unequivocal that such behaviour is wrong. It is damaging, and it must carry real consequences. Of course, I am particularly concerned about our young people.”
“I thank the Member for proposing such an important motion and for sharing some real-life experiences, including her own. <BR /> <BR />It is right to express grave concern about the documented use of AI technologies in ways that are absolutely horrific. It is another attack on women and girls, and, of course, men and boys are also affected. We know that AI offers benefits, but we cannot ignore the real and growing harms that arise from its misuse. <BR /> <BR />We know that there have been numerous incidents of deepfake pornographic content being created and shared online, and, overwhelmingly, it targets women and girls. There are victims in the Chamber, and I can only commend them for coming forward and being vocal about what they have gone through.”